Students To Attend Space Camp

A love of science and technology has two local students preparing to blast off thanks to the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum Scholarship Fund.

Alex Beckerink, a sophomore at Southwestern High School, and Robert Miles, a fourth-grader at Harvey Fenner Elementary School in Falconer, each received a $500 scholarship to attend a five-day long space camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Beckerink, a Civil Air Patrol member, plans to attend Advanced Space Camp which provides students the ability to earn college credits during their time at camp. Beckerink will focus on the Mission Specialist Track where he will study space suit theory and design, space physiology and scuba spacewalk training. According to Beckerink, working for NASA would be his dream job.

Miles, a Cub Scout, received a technician level FCC ham radio license in March 2012. While Miles has an interest in science and math, it seems his true passion lies in communications. During the Alleghany Highland Council’s Monster Mash, Miles was prepared to talk to the International Space Station, though the weather didn’t cooperate and the connection was never made. According to Miles, Space Camp will combine his three favorite things, technology, communications and science.

The Lucile M. Wright Air Museum Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Lucile M. Wright, a local pilot during a time when it was uncommon for a woman to fly. Since 1989, the scholarship has provided individuals from Chautauqua County the opportunity to learn about space, the solar system, aeronautics and science.

For more information or to apply for next year’s award, visit crcfonline.org or contact the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation at 661-3390.